Reported Speech: Rules, Examples, and Exercises Explained
Last Updated At: 24 Sep 2025
8 min read
Table of Contents
- What is Reported Speech?
- Why is Reported Speech Important?
- Reported Speech Rules
- Types of Reported Speech
- Reported Speech Examples
- Reported Speech Questions
- Reported Speech Exercises
- Common Mistakes in Reported Speech
- Tips to Master Reported Speech
- Reported Speech Examples with Answers
- Reported Speech in Daily Life
- Reported Speech vs Direct Speech
- Reported Speech Chart
- PlanetSpark English Grammar Course
- FAQs on Reported Speech
English grammar has many topics that confuse learners, and one of the most important is reported speech. Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, allows us to tell others what someone said without repeating their exact words.
For example:
Direct Speech: She said, “I am learning English.”
Reported Speech: She said that she was learning English.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:
What is reported speech?
Rules of reported speech.
Reported speech examples.
Reported speech questions.
Reported speech exercises with answers.
Common mistakes and tips to improve.
By the end, you will be confident in converting sentences into reported speech correctly.
What is Reported Speech?
Reported speech is a way of expressing what someone has said without quoting them directly. Instead of using quotation marks, we rephrase their statement while keeping the meaning intact.
Examples:
Direct: He said, “I will study tomorrow.”
Reported: He said that he would study the next day.
Reported speech in English grammar is widely used in conversation, academic writing, journalism, and professional communication. It helps us:
Share information more clearly.
Avoid repetition.
Maintain flow in stories and conversations.
Why is Reported Speech Important?
Understanding reported speech in grammar is crucial because:
It improves fluency in English speaking and writing.
It is essential for exams and academic writing.
It helps in storytelling, narration, and journalism.
It develops strong communication skills.
For example, in journalism:
Direct Speech: The minister said, “We are starting a new scheme.”
Reported Speech: The minister said that they were starting a new scheme.
Master tricky grammar topics like Reported Speech with ease
Reported Speech Rules
Learning the rules of reported speech is the key to using it correctly.
1. Tense Change (Backshifting)
When reporting past speech, tenses usually shift one step back.
Present Simple → Past Simple
Direct: “I like apples.”
Reported: She said that she liked apples.
Present Continuous → Past Continuous
Direct: “I am studying.”
Reported: He said that he was studying.
Present Perfect → Past Perfect
Direct: “I have finished my homework.”
Reported: She said that she had finished her homework.
Will → Would
Direct: “I will help you.”
Reported: He said that he would help me.
2. Pronoun Changes in Reported Speech
Pronouns must change according to context.
Direct: He said, “I am happy.”
Reported: He said that he was happy.
Direct: She told me, “You are my best friend.”
Reported: She told me that I was her best friend.
3. Time and Place Changes
Words that show time and place also change in reported speech.
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| now | then |
| today | that day |
| yesterday | the day before |
| tomorrow | the next day |
| here | there |
| this | that |
| these | those |
Example:
Direct: She said, “I will meet you tomorrow.”
Reported: She said that she would meet me the next day.
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4. Reporting Verbs in Reported Speech
Common reporting verbs are: said, told, asked, mentioned, explained, replied, suggested, advised.
Direct: He said, “I am tired.”
Reported: He said that he was tired.
Direct: She asked, “Where do you live?”
Reported: She asked where I lived.
5. No Change in Universal Truths
If the statement is always true, no tense change occurs.
Direct: She said, “The sun rises in the east.”
Reported: She said that the sun rises in the east.
Types of Reported Speech
There are different types of reported speech in English grammar:
1. Reported Statements
Direct: She said, “I love music.”
Reported: She said that she loved music.
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2. Reported Questions
Yes/No Questions:
Direct: He asked, “Do you like tea?”
Reported: He asked if I liked tea.
Wh-Questions:
Direct: She asked, “Where are you going?”
Reported: She asked where I was going.
3. Reported Commands and Requests
Direct: He said, “Close the door.”
Reported: He told me to close the door.
Direct: She said, “Please help me.”
Reported: She asked me to help her.
4. Reported Suggestions
Direct: She said, “Let’s study together.”
Reported: She suggested studying together.
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Reported Speech Examples
Here are more examples of reported speech:
Direct: She said, “I am reading a novel.”
Reported: She said that she was reading a novel.Direct: He said, “I will call you tonight.”
Reported: He said that he would call me that night.Direct: They said, “We have completed the project.”
Reported: They said that they had completed the project.Direct: She asked, “What time is it?”
Reported: She asked what time it was.Direct: He said, “I am feeling sick today.”
Reported: He said that he was feeling sick that day.
Reported Speech Questions
Reported speech questions are tricky for many learners.
Direct: He asked, “Do you know English?”
Reported: He asked if I knew English.
Direct: She asked, “When will you leave?”
Reported: She asked when I would leave.
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Reported Speech Exercises
Exercise 1 – Convert into Reported Speech
She said, “I am tired.”
He said, “I have finished my homework.”
They said, “We will visit Delhi tomorrow.”
She asked, “Do you know the answer?”
He said, “I am watching TV.”
Exercise 2 – Identify Mistakes in Reported Speech
She said that she is tired. (wrong)
He said that he will call me. (wrong)
They asked that where I live. (wrong)
(Answers given at the end of the blog)
Common Mistakes in Reported Speech
Forgetting to change tense.
Using wrong pronouns.
Keeping time expressions unchanged.
Mixing direct and reported structures.
Misusing reporting verbs.
Make grammar fun, interactive, and effective
Tips to Master Reported Speech
Practice converting direct speech daily.
Memorize the table of tense changes.
Revise pronoun and time word changes.
Read stories and spot reported speech examples.
Solve worksheets and exercises regularly.
Reported Speech Examples with Answers
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1:
She said that she was tired.
He said that he had finished his homework.
They said that they would visit Delhi the next day.
She asked if I knew the answer.
He said that he was watching TV.
Exercise 2:
Correct: She said that she was tired.
Correct: He said that he would call me.
Correct: They asked where I lived.
Reported Speech in Daily Life
News reporting: The journalist said that the event was canceled.
Storytelling: The teacher said that the rabbit was clever.
Conversations: My mother told me that dinner was ready.
Reported Speech vs Direct Speech
| Feature | Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|---|
| Quotation Marks | Required | Not used |
| Exact Words | Yes | No, rephrased |
| Example | She said, “I like tea.” | She said that she liked tea. |
Reported Speech Chart
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| Present Simple → Past Simple | “I play” → He said he played |
| Present Continuous → Past Continuous | “I am eating” → He said he was eating |
| Present Perfect → Past Perfect | “I have eaten” → He said he had eaten |
| Will → Would | “I will go” → He said he would go |
Reported speech is one of the most essential parts of English grammar. By mastering its rules, practicing with examples, and avoiding common mistakes, learners can confidently use it in conversations, writing, and exams.
To take grammar learning further, join the PlanetSpark English Grammar Course where kids learn reported speech and other grammar topics in a fun and interactive way.
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Grammar topics like reported speech can be confusing for kids. PlanetSpark English Grammar Course makes it simple.
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Step-by-Step Learning: From basics to advanced concepts like reported speech.
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Worksheets & Exercises: Extra practice with real examples.
If your child struggles with reported speech rules, PlanetSpark provides the right guidance.
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FAQs on Reported Speech
Q1. What is reported speech in grammar?
It is a way of telling what someone said without using their exact words.
Q2. What are the rules of reported speech?
Change tenses, pronouns, and time/place words when needed.
Q3. What is an example of reported speech?
Direct: She said, “I like English.” Reported: She said that she liked English.
Q4. How do you report Yes/No questions?
Use if or whether: He asked if I was coming.
Q5. What are common mistakes in reported speech?
Not changing tense, pronouns, or time expressions properly.
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